Tea & Talk Series at Terrace Hill

NOTE: If purchasing a series pass, please select the Feb. 1 option under "Select a Date," then go to Tickets and select the series pass ticket. If purchasing individual sessions, please select the preferred date, then go to Tickets and select the single session ticket option.

The Terrace Hill Partnership is proud to present distinguished speakers who will bring timely programs to the Terrace Hill Drawing Room at 2:00 pm each Saturday in February, followed by tea and tasty treats. Tickets are $10 per session or $35 for a series pass. The speakers are donating their time and all proceeds will benefit the gardens of Terrace Hill. For more information, contact the Terrace Hill office at 515-281-7205.
February 1: Molly Thompson, Terrace Hill

Storytelling with Objects: The conversations we have with material culture

What can objects tell us about their history and significance? In this presentation, Terrace Hill Administrator Molly Thompson will discuss methods of object interpretation using examples from Terrace Hill’s collection. Audience members will have a chance to practice their object interpretation skills and are encouraged to bring a small object, family heirloom, or photograph for a show-and-tell portion of the program.
February 8: Michael Morain, Business Publications Corporation, Inc.

Headlines from History: Seven Stories from Iowa’s Past
News reporters are always chasing the latest scoop and the next big thing. But what if they had a press pass to the past? dsm magazine editor and former Des Moines Register reporter Michael Morain shares seven fascinating stories from Iowa history that he wishes he could have covered as they happened.
February 15: Tim McMillin, Des Moines Performing Arts and Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble

The Development of the American A Cappella Choral Tradition

Have you ever stopped to question from where the traditions of today's professional, collegiate and even secondary school choirs come? It isn't as ancient a proposition as you might think. In this presentation, DMVAE's Artistic Director and Conductor Tim McMillin will trace and discuss the legacy of contemporary collegiate and professional choral ensembles dating from the early decades of the 20th century. Early collegiate a cappella choirs such as the St. Olaf Lutheran Choir (F. Melius Christiansen), the Northwestern University (Peter C. Lutkin) and the Westminster Choir (John Finley Williamson) established standard performance practices that today's ensembles often imitate without awareness of their origin. Further, these same ensembles discovered, performed, commissioned and promoted works that are now part of the standard choral repertoire.
February 22: Kim Perez, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Connecting Plants, People, and the Natural World

In the heart of downtown Des Moines, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is helping visitors find their true nature. Kim Perez, President & CEO, will discuss the past, present, and future of the Botanical Garden and the programs that are strengthening these connections within the community and for a growing number of visitors to the region.

Host or Publisher Terrace Hill